Cold Atmospheric Pressure Nitrogen Plasma Jet for Enhancement Germination of Wheat Seeds

Abstract

The possibility to improve the germination characterization of the wheat seeds by cold atmospheric nitrogen plasma jet treatment was report. Spectroscopic measurements were performed to identify the constituent particles of a nitrogen atmospheric plasma jet. Spectroscopic measurements revealed that the particles with relatively high energy excited states exist inside the jet nozzle. During this study the cold atmospheric plasma parameters were set for attain the highest rate of the germination seeds. The nitrogen used in this system as carrier gas. The nitrogen cold atmospheric plasma operated at 14 l/min as a fixed flow rate. The operation of plasma jet at 14 l/min was represented the suitable plasma dose to enhancement the germination parameters. The N2 first positive system (N2 1+), N2 second positive system (N2 2+) and N2 ion first negative system (N2+ 1−) were represented the emission spectra observed inside the jet nozzle. The germination characteristics of wheat seeds have been significantly enhanced after cold atmospheric plasma treatment. The mean weight of fresh sprout was 823.82 mg for untreated seeds and increased to 1231.80, 1369.50 and 1342.46 mg for 2 min, 4 min, and 6 min treatments respectively. The effects of nitrogen cold atmospheric plasma jet on the growth parameter depended on exposure time.